Blog

I am often asked what someone can do to improve his / her German skills. I hope I can help you out with these tips (PDF file) 

Hallo! The Free Learning Group on Telegram (formerly on WhatsApp) has reopened. More information:

https://owzh.wordpress.com/en/learninggroup

Auf Wiedersehen!

EN Visit the Floodland & Forest called “Wasserschloss” in German, located 33 km from Downtown Zurich.

It is the place where 3 of the biggest rivers of Switzerland join: the Aare, the Reuss and the Limmat (the latter after flowing through the Lake of Zurich and the city). You can find here different species of birds, amphibians and fish. Link (information available only in German): https://aargautourismus.ch/tour_of_aargau/die-kombitipps/wasserschloss-der-schweiz

ES Visita la vega y el bosque llamados “Wasserschloss” en alemán,  localizados a 33 km del centro de la ciudad de Zúrich.

En este lugar confluyen 3 de los mayores ríos de Suiza: el Aare, el Reuss y el Limmat (este último después de atravesar el Lago de Zúrich y la ciudad). Aquí puedes encontrar diferentes especies de aves, anfibios y peces.  Enlace (información disponible sólo en alemán): https://aargautourismus.ch/tour_of_aargau/die-kombitipps/wasserschloss-der-schweiz

EN Visit the Königsfelden Monastery, located 33 km from Downtown Zurich.

Founded around 1310-11 at the site were king Albert I of Habsburg was murdered by his nephew. The church windows are outstanding examples of European stained glass in the late Middle Ages. Link: https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-ch/experiences/koenigsfelden-monastery-habsburg-memorial/

ES Visita el monasterio de Königsfelden, que se encuentra a 34 km del centro de la ciudad de Zúrich.

Fundado alrededor de 1310-11 en el lugar donde fue asesinado por su sobrino el rey Alberto I (Albrecht) de Habsburgo. Las ventanas de la iglesia son un valiosísimo ejemplo de vitrales medievales en Europa. Enlace: https://www.myswitzerland.com/es/descubrir-suiza/monasterio-koenigsfelden-un-lugar-en-memoria-de-los-habsburgo/

Switzerland and its mountains are hugely popular in India, mainly because of films. Indian filmmakers’ passion for this country has helped make it one of the most popular destinations for Indian tourists, seeking the locations of their favourite scenes. Be sure to visit the interactive map featuring prominent Bollywood filming locations in Switzerland created by swissinfo.ch.

As a tourist, you can of course choose to communicate in English in hotels, shops and restaurants, like you would do at every other famous holiday destination worldwide. But the average Swiss – outside the crowded tourist paths –  does not actually speak English fluently (if at all) because he or she has learnt French and some Italian as foreign languages at school, since these are also national languages of Switzerland. 

Although it is a very small country, Switzerland has some of the best highschools and universities worldwide. The main medium of instruction there is German, for the reasons I explained before (i.e. most students are not fluent in English). German language requirements must be fulfilled before the start of your studies. Otherwise, an admission will not be possible.

To finish, let me share with you my favourite Bollywood Video: Zara Gungunalein Chalo. It was shot at locations in Lucerne (0:00-0:13, 1:12-1:33, 1:41-1:52 and 3:25 till end) and its famous wooden footbridge called Kappelbrücke (01:52-2:06), in the capital Bern (0:14-1:11) – where they even eat Fondue (1:34-1:40), our national dish made of melted cheese – and in Bad Ragaz (2:51-3:24). By the way, the guy with the guitar looks rather Spanish, but who cares? Enjoy!

EN Visit the Habsburg Castle, located 34 km from Downtown Zurich.

Built around 1020-1030. Medieval fortress that became the originating seat of the House of Habsburg, one of the leading imperial and royal dynasties in Europe. It houses a museum and a restaurant. Link: https://www.myswitzerland.com/en/experiences/habsburg-castle/

ES Visita el castillo de Habsburgo, que se encuentra a 34 km del centro de Zúrich.

Construido alrededor de 1020-1030. Fortaleza medieval que se convirtió en la primera sede de la Casa de Austria, una de las más poderosas dinastías reales de Europa. Alberga un museo y un restaurante. Enlace: https://www.myswitzerland.com/es/descubrir-suiza/castillo-de-habsburgo/

The Swiss don’t use the letter ß (called Eszett). They write ss (double s) instead. For example: “Straße” in Germany is “Strasse” in Switzerland.

EN Visit the “Judendörfer” (Jewish towns) of Endingen and Lengnau, located 26 km from Downtown Zurich.

Only towns where Swiss Jews were allowed to settle in German Switzerland. In Endingen there are no churches, only a synagogue. You can also find an old cemetery and houses with 2 doors (one for Christians and one for Jews).

Tourist Information (available only in German): https://bit.ly/2WHKGt2

ES Visita los “Judendörfer” (pueblos judíos) de Endingen y Lengnau, que se encuentran a 26 km del centro de Zúrich.

Únicos pueblos en Suiza alemana en los que se les permitía vivir a los judíos suizos. En Endingen no hay iglesias, sólo una sinagoga. También encontrarás un cementerio antiguo y casas con 2 puertas (una para los cristianos y otra para los judíos).

Información para turistas (disponible sólo en alemán): https://bit.ly/2WHKGt2

In Switzerland, the word used for “washbasin” is “das Lavabo” [laˈvaβo], while in Germany it’s “das Waschbecken” [ˈvaʃˌbɛkn̩].